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Monday, August 8, 2011

Well....shit.

I tried to come up with a clever Monday title and there was no brain activity, so forgive me. I started out the day in a pretty darn good mood. Still buzzing off my great long run on Saturday. I had a doctor's appointment before work this morning, so I was able to get up at the usual time but squeeze a quick three miles in before I had to leave for the day. Not the best three by a long shot, everything was tight and cranky. I should have known it was an omen. Once I got to work and checked my personal email (obviously the most important task upon arrival to paid employment) the day went right into the crapper. There was a email waiting for me from the leader of my running group telling us that he'd screwed up the running schedule. In short, I'm going away the weekend of the 20th with the BF for some much needed beach time. I was scheduled to do 10 miles so it was no problem. I've done 10 on my own before and we scheduled this trip specifically around the fact that my training schedule only called for 10. UNTIL NOW. Due to my fearless leader's error, I am now slated for 18 miles that Saturday. 18. WTF.

I broke the bad news to BF and it has not gone over well with either of us. We want to kick my coach's butt so hard right now. The hotel is already booked (although we still have time to cancel without penalty) and the real kicker is that his family is going to be there the whole weekend as well. The trip was meant for some serious bonding and relaxing. Me backing out now would be more than a mere annoyance to all parties involved. So right now it appears as though my options are running 18 solo in a strange place (how many hotel parking lot laps would THAT take) or cancel on the BF and train with my team. Neither is a desirable option and I need to make a decision ASAP. What would you do? This has been festering with me all day. My training has already taken up quite a bit of my time and required a bit of sacrifice on the part of the BF as well, for which I am quite appreciative. Social life? What is that? Friends? Sounds intriguing.

There is a local running store in the beach area, and I planned on contacting them anyway for info on good places to log miles. Now I'll be asking where to log a lot more miles with the chance that they might know a person or persons that want to keep me company for part of it. I feel like that is going to be a long shot. I just don't know what to do. There is no solution that will make everyone happy and at the end of the day I still need to run 18 freaking miles. Crankypants indeed. I feel like I had this entirely different day ahead of me this morning. The Universe is tricky like that. I'd really welcome any advice, I need to think about this and decide by Wednesday at the latest. Off to crawl under a rock and pout.

I agree with the other comments. Do NOT give up a beach vacay for a run. you may not get in as many miles as you would have but you can get in a decent run and 1 run isn't going to make or break your training. Have a blast!!

What is your running group doing this weekend? You could run with them and then add miles at the end to make it 18. Then you will have your 18-miles out of the way and wont be stressed about it over vacation.

So, I'm a big fan of simply doing a shorter run and enjoying your vacation, BUT, if you want to do the 18 here are a few tips that have helped me in the past. Map out your route ahead of time. I love using runningahead.com to map out my routes, super helpful! In addition, I would drive the course so you become familiar with the area. You could also do 2 loops of 9 miles. Not as fun, but your BF could meet you as you start loop 2 and be your personal water stop! Hope that helps...you can do it!